Wide Powers Of Control In Defaulters’ Camps

Northern Advocate, 18 November 1941, Page 8

Wide Powers Of Control In Defaulters’ Camps

[Special to “Northern Advocate”] AUCKLAND, This Day. Amendments to the National Service Regulations, 1940, give the defaulters’ detention camps controlling officer (Mr. L. J. Greenberg), certain powers. The prohibition of regulation of smoking, restriction on the number of letters which may be sent or received, and prohibition of congregation for the purpose of meetings or discussions are among the powers. These are in addition to powers which have already been announced. It has previously been stated that the camp supervisor will be able to impose certain minor punishments for breaches of the camp rules and that the controlling officer has extended powers of punishment. Close Confinement These extended powers can involve close confinement within the camp or a reduction in the dietary scale, or both. In any case where he considers it necessary, the camp supervisor can place the inmate in close confinement, pending the consideration of the matter by the controlling officer. Powers conferred on the camp supervisor include several for the control of people entering or approaching the camp. He can direct any person not to enter or remain in the camp or loiter within its vicinity. He can regulate such a person's conduct within the camp, and can search any person approaching, entering, remaining in, or leaving the camp or attempting to do any of these things. He can also arrest without warrant any person who commits, or is reasonably suspected of having committed or being about to commit, any offence against the regulations. Power cf Search The power of search is also conferred upon the camp supervisor in respect of inmates. They may he searched on admission and anything may be removed from their custody which the officer conducting the search considers expedient. Searches can also be made at any later time if the supervisor has reason to suspect an inmate is in possession of any article which it is considered desirable to take from him. It is also laid down in the regulations that the camp supervisor shall ensure' as far as possible that every inmate is employed on productive or useful work except in cases of physical incapacity through illness or injury.